Tumbler lock



Feb. 2, 1965 L. K. PICKERING 3,167,944

TUMBLER LOCK Filed Feb. 14. 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR LEA/0X K.P/c/rEM/VG Feb. 2, 1965 L. K. PICKERING 3,

TUMBLER LOCK Filed Feb. 14, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 FIG. 4

INVENTOR.

AZ, MM Mm ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, 1965 L... K. PICKERING 3,167,944

TUMBLER LOCK Filed Feb. 14, 1962 s Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. LEA/0X If.P/Clffi'R/NG United States Pate 3,167,944 TUMELER LUCK Lenox K.Pickering, Little Neck, N.Y., assignor to John F. Wellelrens, StatenIsland, N.Y. Filed Feb. 14, 1962, ar. No. 173,186 8 Claims. (iCl.70-482) This invention relates to a structurally and functionallyimproved lock.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved assembly to beoperated by one of a number of different keys of predetermined type; theparts of the assembly being capable of ready adjustment or shifting byan unskilled operator so that a ceitain key of the series heretoforeemployed to operate the lock will no longer be capable of accomplishingthis, While a selected different key of the series will perform thisfunction.

Another object is that of designing lock elements capable of readyassembly to furnish a complete structure and which elements may beadvantageously employed in lock structures of diverse character.

Still another object is that of designing a lock which will includerelatively few parts capable of manufacture by quantity productionmethods and which parts may be economically assembled to provide asimple mechanism operating over long periods of time with freedom fromall difficulties.

With these and other objects in mind reference is bad to the attachedsheets of drawings illustrating a practical embodiment of the inventionand in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a closure with a lock of the presentdesign;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation of the lock;

FIG.3 is a sectional side view in enlarged scale taken along the line 33in the direction of the arrows as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the assembly as shown in FIG. 3, but withthe assembly rotated ninety degrees.

FIG. 5 is a traverse sectional view taken along the line 55 in thedirection of the arrows as illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the parts shifted to adifferent position; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the several components of theassembly.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, a lock cylinder includes a rear bodyportion conveniently provided with one or more flattened side faces, 11.The forward end of this cylinder or body 10 is defined by a bezel 12,larger in diameter than the remainder of the body it Adjacent theforward edge of the bezel or ring the bore of the body 10 is increasedin diameter as shown in FIG. 4; a shoulder 13 furnishing a bearingportion at this point. The bore surface of the cylinder is provided withone or more supporting portions by forming in that bore surface asuitable number of longitudinal grooves 14. The latter are preferablyundercut so that each of them may retain a part as hereafter described.

Located within the bore of cylinder 10 is a tubular plug embracing abody 15 providing at its forward end an annular flange 17. Covering theforward end of the plug is a plate portion 16 which is formed with a keyslot 18. Transverse slits 19 are provided at opposed points in body 15.The rear or inner end of the plug terminates in a reduced mountingportion 20. The diameter of flange 17 should be such that with the pluginserted in the bore of the cylinder the rear face of this flange willbear against the surface of shoulder 13 and be encircled by the bezel orring 12.

The mounting portion 20, may have attached to it by screw threads 21, acap-shaped member 22, the outer edge of which defines stop portions inthe form of shoulders 23. This cap or else a separate member may haveextending from it, a tailpiece or latch element 24. The head of the cap22 is formed with an aperture through which the stem 25 of a screwextends and is threadably engaged. A suitable lock washer 26 mayencircle the stem of screw 25 and serve to retain the tail piece 24against rotation or other movements with respect to the cap 22. The stopshoulder or shoulders 23 are cooperable with any fixed part which willlimit rotation of the plug if this is desired.

Disposed one within each of the slots 19, and of a length greater thanthe diameter of plug body 13, are slides. As shown these preferablyinclude end portions 27 of a width equal to the slots 19, and areprovided with notches 28 in their outer edges. The bodies of the slidesinclude spaced parallel bars 29, defining at the end portions undercutnotches 30. These serve to accommodate hereinafter described, the upperand lower courses 31 and 32 of a spring, the central connecting portion33: of which extends laterally of these courses for a pur posehereinafter brought out. Preferably the length of these springs shouldbe just slightly less than the length of the bore defined by plug 15.The free ends of spring courses 31 and 32 conveniently terminate inlaterally projecting portions 34.

One or more permutation strips are furnished. These conveniently includebody portions 35 from the inner faces of which fins 36 extend. Thosefins are formed to provide portions projecting to various heights so asto form steps, embracing desired permutations. The outer ends of thestrips terminate in manipulating head portions 37. The width of thelatter is such that they are accommodated within notches 38 (FIG. 7)formed in the rear edge of cylinder 10; body 35 being disposable withinthe undercut portion of a groove 14 and fin 36 and its steps extendingthrough the slot and into the cylinder bore.

Upon properly assembling the several parts as aforedescribed, a lock isprovided as generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In those views, thenumeral 39 indicates a closure member such as a door panel, providedwith an opening the edges of which serve as a mounting for the body orcylinder 10. It is apparent that while the latter may be cylindrical andprovided with one or more flattened faces 11, as previously described,it need not necessarily be round. In such event the opening formed inclosure 39 will have a corresponding outline. If cylindrical, theexterior face of body 10 may be formed with threads which mount thereona clamping nut 40 serving to retain it against movement with respect tothe closure or panel 39. The operated member, in the form of a latchextension 24, a tailpiece or otherwise, will lie adjacent the rear faceof the closure panel. Alternatively, the lock may be mounted by a fixedpart of a casing or enclosure and have its operated member 24 cooperablewith an adjacent moveable door or panel. In either event, with thelatter open, the rear portions of the assembly are accessible and andappear as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, access may be had to thepermutation strips so that by gripping their head portions they may bewithdrawn when occasion demands this.

Considering the interior of the lock, attention is in- Vite-d to FIG. 3in which there has also been shown a key including a head 41, and ashank defined by an axially extending rib 42, from which laterallyextending fins 43, project to define steps or notches 44. Obviously ifonly a single permutation strip is employed, then a fin portion 43 willonly extend to one side of rib 42. According to the present invention itis preferred to provide, as shown, a pair of permutation stri s inopposed relationship. The plug 15 is maintianed against axial shiftingby cap 22 be- Patented Feb. 2, 1965 ing secured against detachment fromits end and bearing with its rim against the adjacent end of cylinder10.

The slides will normally be maintained in an intermediate position withreference to the plug by means of the springs in that the upper andlower courses 31 and 32 of the latter will bear within the recesses orundercut portions 30 of the slides. The laterally extending portion 33,of each spring, will bear against the bore face of the plug as in FIG. 4and end portion 34 will conveniently bear against the faces of adjacentslides to prevent longitudinal shifting of the springs. Under thesecircumstances, the central apertures of the slides will initially be insubstantial alignment. With the insertion of a key into slot 18, thisalignment will be disturbed. The Width of the key at any transverse Zonewill be equal to the distance between the base portion of notches 45opposed to notches 28 in the end portions of the slide. The width ofthese notches will be such that the fins of the key may be slidablyaccommodated therein. The steps or notches of the key will correspond tothe steps outline of the permutation strips as clearly shown in FIG. 3.

Accordingly, upon the key being completely inserted, the slides will betransversely shifted with respect to the plug'body 15. Thus with acontinued insertion of the key into the lock, the edges of the findefining the key steps or notches will lie in contact with the end edgesof the notches 45 to thus prevent any lateral shifting of the slideswith respect to the key. With a proper permutation embodied in the keyand corresponding to the permutation present in fins 36, the ends of theseveral slides will all occupy positions as which they clear the steppededges of the key. This condition is illustrated iri FIGS. 3 and 5 and 6.Accordingly, the plug may now be turned by exerting rotational force onthe key head 41. In such turning the plug will be supported by rotatablyengaging the surfaces of the cylinder conveniently provided at endportions of the latter. The springs will rotate with the plug and urgethe slides towards positions which they assume with no key present.Under certain conditions these springs might be dispensed with in thatwith the insertion of the key and the latter bearing against the inneredges of end portions 27, undesired shifting of the slides will beprevented. However, the key will cam against the slides to cause them toassume proper positions. Despite this, it is ordinarily preferred toemploy the springs as shown. With the return of the plug from theposition shown in FIG. 6 to that illustrated in FIG. 5, a withdrawal ofthe key will in all events result in the slides occupying positions suchthat a rotation of the plug will not be possible.

'Now assuming that it is desired to resort to a key change, all thatwill be necessary will be for the user to employ. a heretofore used keyto render. the rear of the lock (FIG. 2) accessible. Thereupon the keyemployed for this purpose is withdrawn. Likewise the permutation stripsare withdrawn conveniently by gripping the head portions 37 thereof andsliding them clear of the cylinder. Now different strips involving newpermutations will be inserted to occupy positions as in FIG. 3.Thereupon, a key having steps or notches corresponding to the permutation defined in the new strips will be employed. It is obvious underthese circumstances that the initially used key will no longer open thelock.

In all instances it Will be understood that the slides supported by theplug prevent rotation of the latter. They will normally present asubstantially straight profile. Against this there is arcuately opposedthe permutation members or member which presents an irregular profile. Aproper key inserted in the plug shifts the slides to dispose theirprofile to one matching the arcuately oppose pr'emutation strip orstrips. Accordingly, obstruction to rotation of the plug is nullifiedand the latter may by means of the key be turned to operate themechanism with which it connects.

Aswill be understood, it is preferred to employ at least two permutationmembers or strips in that a single strip might result in an assemblywhich would lack strength and be more readily opened by a person nothaving the proper key.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as specificallyaforenoted are achieved. Obviously, numerous changes in construction andrearrangements of the parts may be resorted to without departing fromthe spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. A lock including in combination a cylinder, a plug rotatablysupported in the bore of said cylinder, a slide supported by said plugto shift transversely thereof, said cylinder being formed with asupport, a strip removably mounted by said support, said strip having afin extending into the cylinder bore in line with said slide anddirectly' engaging the latter to prevent a rotation of said plug and:

said slide and plug being formed with openings to receive a keyengageable with an edge of said slide to shift the" latter to a positionclear of said fin, the strip being pro vided with a head at its rear endwith at least a part thereof extending beyond the cylinder andengageable to en-'" able the strip to be withdrawn from the cylinder.

, 2. In a lock as defined in claim 1, the bore of said cylinder beingrelatively large in comparison with the diameter of said plug wherebythroughout a major portion in the length of the latter, it clears thecylinder bore surface, such surface being formed with a longitudinallyextending groove and said strip being supported within said groove, thecylinder being notched at its rear end and the head in the stripengaging in said notch.

'3. In a lock as defined in claim 2, the base of said groove beingsubstantially T-shaped and the strip being T-shaped and entering thegroove to be retained against movement therein.

4. In a lock as defined in claim 1, said slide being formed with acentral-key-receiving opening and the end of said slide being formedwith a notch for the accommodation of a part of said fin.

5. For use in association with the rotatable plug of a lock, a slidecomprising a body formed with a key-1e ceiving opening, end portions forsaid slide and said end portions having its outer edge formed with aslot, and a slidable stepped strip received in each of said slots.

6. A lock including in combination a cylinder, a tubular plug rotatablysupported within the bore of said cylinder, said plug being formed witha plurality of transverse slits and having a portion of its peripheryintermediate its ends spaced from the bore surface of said cylinder, aseries of shiftable slides disposed one within each of said slits and ofa length greater than the diameter of said plug, a stepped-edgepermutation strip mounted to extend inwardly from the bore surface ofsaid cylinder to directly engage end zones of certain of said slides andprevent rotation of said plug, and said slides being formed withopenings, the edges of which are engageable with steps or notches of akey extending axially of and within said plug to shift said slides topositions at which their end zones are clear of said strip, the striphaving a rear part extending beyond the rear end of the cylinder andexposed to be thereby engageable to enable the strip to be withdrawn outof the cylinder.

7. In alock as defined in claim 6, a spring extending axially throughthe plug and having a course engageable: with the tubular face of saidplug and another course engaging with said slides to urge them to assumepredeterminedpositions relative to said plugs, the slides having.notches in their side edges to receive the latter course: of thesprings.

8. A lock including in combination a cylinder, a tubular plug rotatablysupported within the bore of the cylinder, said plug being formed with aplurality of transverse slits and having a portion of its peripheryintermediate its ends spaced from the bore surface of the cylinder, aseries of shiftable slides arranged with one of each within each of theslits, said slides being each of a length greater than the diameter ofthe plug, the bore of the cylinder being provided withdiametrically-opposite longitudinal grooves, a stepped-edge permutationstrip mounted in each of the grooves and withdrawable out of the samefrom the rear end of the cylinder, the edges of the strips extendinginwardly from the bore of the cylinder to directly engage end zones ofcertain of the slides and prevent rotation of the plug, the slides eachhaving a central opening, the edges of which are engageable with edgesteps or notches of a key extending axially of and Within the plug toshift said slide to positions at which their end zones are clear of thestrips, springs disposed axially of the bore of the plug, each springhaving one arm engaged with the surface of the bore and another armengaging the slides, the slides being notched in their side edges withthe springs engaging said notched edges, and each of the strips having ahead at its rear end, a portion of said head being exposed beyond thecylinder and engageable to enable the strips to be withdrawn from thegrooves in which they are disposed.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 327,715 10/85Paull et al 70364 1,352,239 9/20 Baird 70-364 1,960,263 5/34 Fitz Gerald70364 2,030,836 2/36 Full et al 70358 2,970,466 2/61 Wellekens 70339FOREIGN PATENTS 25,800 3/53 Finland. 692,736 6/53 Great Britain.

ALBERT H. KAMPE, Primary Examiner.

1. A LOCK INCLUDING IN COMBINATION A CYLINDER, A PLUG ROTATABLYSUPPORTED IN THE BORE OF SAID CYLINDER, A SLIDE SUPPORTED BY SAID PLUGTO SHIFT TRANSVERSELY THEREOF, SAID CYLINDER BEING FORMED WITH ASUPPORT, A STRIP REMOVABLY MOUNTED BY SAID SUPPORT, SAID STRIP HAVING AFIN EXTENDING INTO THE CYLINDER BORE IN LINE WITH SAID SLIDE ANDDIRECTLY ENGAGING THE LATTER TO PREVENT A ROTATION OF SAID PLUG AND SAIDSLIDE AND PLUG BEING FORMED WITH OPENINGS TO RECEIVE THE KEY ENGAGEABLEWITH AN EDGE OF SAID SLIDE TO SHIFT THE LATTER TO A POSITION CLEAR OFSAID FIN, THE STRIP BEING PROVIDED WITH A HEAD AT ITS REAR END WITH ATLEAST A PART THEREOF EXTENDING BEYOND THE CYLINDER AND ENGAGEABLE TOENABLE THE STRIP TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE CYLINDER.